Education Commissioner Pam Stewart

After a calamitous day one, followed by two days of throwing up their hands, South Florida school districts – Miami Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach – will hold their breaths and try again tomorrow to boot up a standardized testing system that bombed out of the gates.

For years, debates about holding Florida teachers and schools accountable followed a predictable pattern: Democrats and teachers unions criticized the plans as being too heavily reliant on standardized testing, while Republicans pushed through the plans and insisted that measuring student progress ensures children will learn. This year, the terms of the debate have changed.

After years of confusion, a measure that would overhaul Florida’s school grading system and get schools ready for new tests is headed to the House floor after receiving overwhelming approval at its final committee stop.